The morning sun had risen fully, bathing the royal dining hall in golden light. The Red Day breakfast feast was being served, a lavish spread of freshly baked bread, honey-drizzled fruits, roasted meats, and golden goblets filled with the kingdom's finest wines.
Diane, once the most powerful woman in the king's bed, now stood among the servants.
She had no choice but to serve the man who had discarded her, and the woman she had failed to dethrone.
She moved through the hall, her hands steady but her insides burning.
Edmund and Rosalyn sat side by side, speaking in hushed voices, sharing occasional touches; touches Diane once believed were hers alone.
She forced herself to approach the table, her tray balanced carefully in her hands. She served Rosalyn first.
The queen did not even look at her. Then, she turned to King Edmund. For the first time since entering the room, his gaze flickered to her.
